{"id":1168758,"url":"https://alion.io/job/ascend-audit-senior-manager","title":"Audit Senior Manager","company":{"id":6169,"name":"Ascend","domain":"ascendtogether.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/ascend","size_band":"51-200","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Greenhouse","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":75,"open_postings":39,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":1,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":null,"computed_at":"2026-09-30T05:45:00Z"}},"role":"Finance","role_family":"Finance","seniority":"senior","employment_type":null,"work_mode":"hybrid","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Chapel Hill, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":92000,"max_usd":180000,"period":"year","method":"role_seniority_country_remote_cell","sample_n":2450},"experience_years_min":7,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":true,"technologies":[],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-07-21T17:17:19Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-09-22","last_verified_at":"2026-09-30T15:43:04Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":71,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":71},"description":"Who We Are\nAbout Ascend\nBacked by private equity from people-focused Alpine Investors, Ascend is building a dynamic platform for regional accounting firms that enables them to stay independent while accessing the resources of a Top 25 firm to help them grow. Ascend provides access to growth capital, robust talent acquisition and training, leading quality management resources, best-of-breed technology, AI tools, an offshore captive, shared back-office services, a catalytic leadership system, and modernized equity incentives so that firms can surmount today’s industry challenges to reach their full potential. \nFor more information, visit www.ascendtogether.com.\nAbout Blackman & Sloop\nAt Blackman & Sloop, we hire great people and give them a great place to work. We listen to what our employees value, and being a local firm gives us the advantage of flexibility. Our secret to retaining staff is a positive culture, strong community involvement, and a dedication to constantly increasing our competencies. We are a two-office firm, with locations in Chapel Hill and Greensboro, and approximately 45 full-time staff.\nFor 7 years, we’ve been honored as one of Accounting Today’s “Best Accounting Firms to Work For”! We’ve also been recognized by Business North Carolina as one of the “Best Employers in North Carolina” list for multiple years. Most recently, we are proud to have received the Best Companies Group award for Best Accounting Firms for Women in Chapel Hill.\nAs an independent member of the BDO Alliance, we have access to the resources of BDO USA, LLP, the world's 5th largest accounting and consulting firm. Additionally in May 2024, we made the strategic decision to join Ascend to usher us in our next stage of growth.\nThe Role\nWe are seeking an Audit Senior Manager to serve clients across a range of industries - including small business, auto dealership, construction, real estate, retail, non-profit, and lead employee benefit plan audits. This is a dynamic, client-facing opportunity for an experienced audit professional who is eager for continued growth and thrives on direct client interaction.\nYou will plan and execute assurance engagements, lead audit teams, and manage day-to-day client relationships while identifying opportunities to improve how the audit function operates. You bring excellent interpersonal skills, a team-oriented approach, and the judgment to serve as a trusted point of contact among firm leadership, clients, and staff.\nFor 7 years, we’ve been honored as one of Accounting Today’s “Best Accounting Firms to Work For”! We’ve also been recognized by Business North Carolina as one of the “Best Employers in North Carolina” list for multiple years. Most recently, we are proud to have received the Best Companies Group award for Best Accounting Firms for Women in Chapel Hill.\nAs an independent member of the BDO Alliance, we have access to the resources of BDO USA, LLP, the world's 5th largest accounting and consulting firm. Additionally in May 2024, we made the strategic decision to join Ascend to usher us in our next stage of growth.\nAs a Senior Audit Manager, you will lead and manage all phases of business client advisory and compliance engagements. You will manage clients independently and carry out your outstanding project management, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills. You will perform technical reviews of client engagements, participate in training and supervision of staff, conduct audit research, and advise on audit matters. Our company is team-oriented and prides itself on providing quality work and excellent customer relations in a friendly, superior working environment. A dedication to excellent client service and a sense of humor are a must.\nKey Responsibilities\nEngagement Execution & Quality\nPlan and execute assurance engagements effectively\nIdentify business process risks and develop recommendations based on audit findings\nOrganize and monitor the progress of client engagements in relation to budgets and due dates\nPresent findings and recommendations to senior leadership and clients\nTeam & Client Leadership\nManage a team of three or more professionals\nSupervise, train, and evaluate staff on client engagements\nManage day-to-day client relationships\nServe as the communication channel among senior leadership, clients, and staff\nDeliver responsive, high-quality service that anticipates client needs and exceeds expectations\nCommunicate audit progress, findings, and deliverables to clients clearly and proactively\nServe as a trusted advisor, resolving client concerns promptly and ensuring a consistent, positive client experience\nBusiness Development\nWork with cross-service leadership to identify cross-sell opportunities\nWork effectively with the firm’s Chief Growth Officer to create and execute an individual client development plan\nStrengthen and retain existing client relationships to protect and grow the current book of business\nProcess Improvement & Department Growth\nIdentify and implement process improvements to enhance audit efficiency and overall department operations\nOptimize workflows, refine methodologies, and contribute to the strategic growth of the audit department\nDrive continuous improvement initiatives and support the operational development of the audit\nRequired Qualifications\nCertified Public Accountant (CPA) license\nBachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field\n7+ years of experience applying audit methodologies and techniques within public accounting\nIn-depth knowledge of U.S. GAAP\nIn-depth knowledge of employee benefit plan audits\nIn-depth knowledge of family-owned for-profit businesses, including construction, real estate, and auto dealerships\nExperience overseeing, training, and mentoring staff\nStrong communication skills\nStrong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusted client relationships and develop new business opportunities\nAbility to build and manage relationships internally and externally\nExperience identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance audit efficiency and operations\nAbility to optimize workflows and contribute to the strategic growth of the audit department\nStrong operational mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and team development\nStrong project management, organizational, and change management skills\nEagerness to explore and use new technologies to increase productivity and balance workloads\nExcellent work ethic and a sense of humor are a must\nPreferred Qualifications\nExperience performing Uniform Guidance, Yellow Book, and/or Single Audits.\nExperience performing Health and Welfare Benefit Plans\nWho We Look For\nA perceptive team player who excels in a progressive, collaborative environment, blending sharp analytical skills with exceptional communication. A detail-oriented leader who embodies critical thinking and high standards, and a proactive professional committed to delivering outstanding service while embracing and driving curiosity and innovation.\nLocation\nBased in Chapel Hill, NC. At Blackman & Sloop, we’ve designed a flexible hybrid work structure that enables both teamwork and independence, enhancing our employees’ work experience while promoting personal well-being.\nWhat We Offer\nWe hire good people and give them a good place to work. Our secret to keeping them around is a positive culture, strong community involvement, and a dedication to constantly increasing our competencies. We truly believe that when you succeed, the firm succeeds, and we make sure you have whatever tools you need to make that success possible.\nJoin our team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports well-being, health, and ongoing professional growth:\nFlexible PTO\nMedical, dental, vision, and voluntary insurance options\n401(k) matching\nPerformance bonus\n12 paid holidays\nOff-season Flex Fridays\nClosed on Fridays during the month of June\nCommitment to professional development\nEquity Program eligibility at the Senior Manager level, plus top-performing Managers\nHow to Apply\nSubmit your information in the application section directly below! This will include:\nBasic contact information\nResume/CV and optional cover letter upload\nWork eligibility, credentials, and compensation\nVoluntary demographic & self-ID questions\nFor questions or inquiries about the role, please reach out to Karina Matos at \nAt Ascend, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. 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